They say the great ones always get away

Today is opening day for Arsenal’s first team training camp at London Colney, but there is one guy in particular I am missing the most.

That guy is Emi Martinez.

Here’s why…

1. Emi is a world class GK. Just yesterday he made three saves in a penalty kick shoot-out v Columbia to send Argentina into the Copa America final v Brazil.
2. Emi had a kickass finish to the 2019-2020 for the Gunners while replacing the injured Bernd Leno in goal. This included winning both the FA Cup and the Community Shield..
3. Bernd Leno, the guy who eventually won Arsenal’s #1 GK spot over Emi, is apparently unhappy at Arsenal, and looking elsewhere.
4. Bernd Leno is a slightly above average goalkeeper, even if he does stay. Again, Emi is world class.
5. Mat Ryan is also gone. He might have been a suitable replacement, however, Arsenal did not make an effort to keep him at the end of his loan spell, and now he is heading to Spain.
6. Runar Runarsson is not a fit replacement for anyone. Period.
7. Aaron Ramsdale is apparently on Arsenal’s wish list to replace the above mentioned group,, however, his credentials don’t live up to the expected $41.3-million (USD) transfer fee relegated Sheffield United is asking.
8. The Gunners have been linked to an Ajax goalkeeper, however, even if signed, he couldn’t play until November due to a doping ban.
9. The same as #1, Emi Martinez is a world class GK, and we let he go.

Allowing Emi Martinez to leave at the beginning of the 2020/2021 season was a horrible decision. Once he was given a shot at Aston Villa, the Argentinian went on to have an outstanding season.

Let’s look at his 2020/2021 Premier League statistics for Aston Villa…

38 appearances, 46 goals allowed (1.21 per game), 147 saves, a 74.6% save percentage and 15 clean sheets.

These numbers were third best among all PL goalkeepers last season.

Martinez is 6′ 5″ tall, is great with his feet, and has a never give up attitude. At Arsenal alone, he was sent out on loan six times, and waited patiently to finally get his chance to shine just one year ago. He did shine, then we cut him loose. This was the perfect rages to riches story, but Mikel Arteta just couldn’t see past Bernd Leno.

Now, he is shining bright on the international stage, and Emi will undoubtably have another stellar season at Aston Villa.

Who will be Arsenal’s #1?  Well, unfortunately, not the guy we had defending our goal just one year ago.

They say the great ones always get away.

Gunner1953